System and method for interfacing satellite communications with aircraft

ABSTRACT

A system for interfacing commercial satellite communications technology with military aircraft communications systems is disclosed. The system includes an off-board commercial transceiver and an onboard commercial transceiver for communicating data to a commercial satellite network. The system also includes an onboard interface unit which is configured to communicate data between the onboard transceiver and the aircraft&#39;s communication system. The onboard interface unit includes a computer processor which executes a software program stored on an electronic medium. The software program includes instructions for sending data to and receiving data from the onboard commercial transceiver and for sending data to and receiving data from the onboard communications system.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to communications systems and,more particularly, to interfacing non-commercial communications systemswith commercial communications systems. Even more particularly, thepresent invention relates to a system for interfacing commercialsatellite communications technology with non-commercial aircraftcommunications technology.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The technological complexity of communications equipment has increaseddramatically over the past several decades. As users become moresophisticated, there is a growing need to communicate large amounts ofdata between various users. This is particularly true of tacticalaircraft. Real-time information to the cockpit (“RTIC”) providesreal-time situation data to a pilot, allowing the pilot to assessituations as they unfold and respond to real-time opportunities.Because pilots, and those coordinating their operations, have increasedsituational awareness, the efficiency and success of missions areincreased.

Currently, real-time data is transmitted from ground locations totactical aircraft and their pilots via data links (JTIDS), directbroadcast links (TRAP/TDDS), weapons video links (AGM-130/Walleye) andthe Improved Data Modem (IDM). Each of these communications systemsemployed presents severe limitations for data transfer to and from atactical aircraft. The broadcast links are one-way, thus preventingeffective communication by the pilot with operations, ground units orother aircraft. Additionally, one-way broadcast technologies do notallow other units to dynamically request and pull data from the tacticalaircraft. Other systems, based on UHF technology, are limited toline-of-sight communications. Low terrain often blockslow-elevation-angle, line-of-sight, direct communications with thesetactical aircraft. This is particularly dangerous for units that are“hunkered down” for self-protection and require expeditious air support.

Current military satellite technologies, which overcome many of theproblems associated with line-of-sight, also present limitations. GlobalBroadcast Satellite (“GBS”), a system of direct broadcast technology, iscurrently used to provide tactical data to aircraft. However, a GBSsystems cannot be effectively integrated into small tactical aircraft.Moreover, Military SATCOM systems are currently oversubscribed and lacksufficient bandwidth to accommodate significant data traffic increases.Thus, it is not practical to support thousands of individual tacticalunits over the existing Military SATCOM architecture.

Current systems of providing real-time data to tactical units alsopresent significant budgetary and weight limitations. Launchingadditional satellites to increase bandwidth is expensive, as isdeveloping transceivers to work with new satellite networks.Additionally, military off-the-shelf transceivers are bulky and cannotbe easily adapted to small and agile fighter jets.

Therefore, there is a need to investigate the feasibility of usingcommercial satellite communication systems to provide an affordable,over-the-horizon (OTH), two-way, voice and data communication capabilityfor tactical fighters as a means to augment current communicationcapabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system to integrate commercialsatellite communications technology with tactical aircraftcommunications technology. This invention provides substantialadvantages over conventional communications systems and methods.

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a system to integratecommercial satellite communications technology with tacticalcommunications technology. The system includes an off-board commercialtransceiver and an onboard commercial transceiver for communicating datato a commercial satellite network. The system also includes an onboardinterface unit configured to communicate data between the onboardtransceiver and the aircraft's communication system. The onboardinterface unit includes a computer processor which executes a softwareprogram stored within an electronic medium. The software programincludes instructions for sending data to and receiving data from theonboard commercial transceiver and for sending data to and receivingdata from the onboard communications system.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for integratingcommercial satellite communication technology with tactical aircraftcommunications technology. The method includes communicating two-waydata with a SATCOM network from an off-board source. This two-way datais communicated with the SATCOM network from an onboard commercialtransceiver. The data is then processed to an onboard interface unitfrom the onboard transceiver. The data is processed at the interfaceunit and communicated with an onboard communications system.

The present invention provides an important technical advantage bypresenting enhanced two-way communication capability. Two-waycommunication is possible because the onboard transceiver can both sendand receive data from a commercial satellite network.

The present invention provides another important technical advantage byavoiding the limitations of traditional line-of-sight communicationsmethods. Terrains that often block low-elevation-angle line-of-sightcommunications can be overcome by allowing users, such as a ground unit,to relay information to tactical aircraft via satellite. Becausesatellite communications are used, low-elevation-angles are avoided. Acorollary advantage of extending communication beyond line-of-sight orover-the-horizon is that data acquisition can occur much earlier.

Yet another advantage provided by the present invention is to allowincreased real-time communication while an aircraft is enroute.Headquarters, ground units and other air units are able to communicatedata in real-time. Thus, the tactical unit has an increased awareness ofunfolding events. This allows tactical units to assimilate and assesssituation data and perform advanced planning. The tactical units canreceive briefings, location data, and digital images from other userswhile the unit is miles from the target.

Another advantage of the present invention allows a user to communicate,in real-time, target assessment and situation data directly to airoperations commanders (AOC). These personnel may be thousands of milesaway. Because AOCs receive real-time data, they can dynamically adjustmission assignments of enroute tactical units. The tactical aircraft canalso provide digital information, such as designated aim point locationat weapon release and available target-system imagery, prior to weaponimpact. The communication of data to operations leads to the overallefficiency of missions being greatly increased.

The present invention provides yet another advantage by making feasiblethe effective management of widely distributed, on-call,air-interdiction or search and rescue assets. Operations can directvarious available aircraft spread over hundreds of miles to respond toreal-time targeting opportunities. By increasing the overalleffectiveness of search and rescue operations. A tactical aricraft cancommunicate damage and ejection data to operations or other aircraft.Additionally, search and rescue units will be able to communicate over amuch larger range.

The present invention provides yet another technical advantage in thatthe use of these commercial communications routes increase the availablebandwidth for communications. Additionally, since commercial satellitecommunications equipment is lighter than military equipment and lower incost than other non-commercial communications systems, tactical aircraftcost and weight concerns are lessened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding to the present invention and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals indicate like features and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of one embodiment of the present invention thatintegrates commercial satellite communications technology with militarytechnology;

FIG. 2 depicts a more detailed view of a commercial satellite network;

FIG. 3 provides an example gain pattern of a commercially availableSATCOM antenna.

FIG. 4 illustrates an overview diagram of one embodiment of a system forintegrating commercial satellite communications technology with militaryaircraft communications technology;

FIGS. 5A–5C provide schematic and component views of the onboardinterface unit;

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment for mounting the onboard commercialtransceiver;

FIG. 7 provides a diagram of one possible mission using the method andsystem of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another possible mission using the method andsystem of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in theFIGURES, like numerals being used to refer to like and correspondingparts of the various drawings.

The present invention comprises a system to integrate commercialsatellite communications technology with military aircraftcommunications technology that can provide an efficient, low-cost,light-weight means for communicating real-time data to pilots.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of the method for integratingcommercial satellite communications technology with military technologyof this invention. An Air Operations Command (AOC) 10 or a ground unit(GU) 12 can communicate with a commercial satellite network 14 via anoff-board transceiver 30 shown in FIG. 2. AOC 10 and GU 12 communicatemission data, weather information, voice data, objective data and otherdata 19 to tactical aircraft 18. While only one off-board transceiver 30is shown for simplicity, it should be understood that there can be manyoff-board commercial transceivers 30. Satellite network 14, as shown,may comprise a constellation of multiple satellites 20. Satellites 20relay data 19 across satellite network 14 until data 19 reaches asatellite 20 that can communicate with destination aircraft 18. Thisallows data 19 to be communicated over large distances, well beyondline-of-sight. Aircraft 18 receives data 19 at an onboard commercialsatellite transceiver 30, via an antenna. Data 19 is then communicatedfrom commercial satellite transceiver 30 to an onboard interface unit36. Because commercial satellite transceiver can be a commercialoff-the-shelf transceiver, there will be significant cost savings.

The onboard interface unit 36 can process the data and communicate theappropriate data to a mission data processor 28, which may be a firecontrol computer, a multi-function display set 32, a display 34, a radio37 or intercom 38. Display 34 may be a commercial SVGA display, whilethe radio 37 may be a UHF/VHF radio. Onboard interface unit 36 can alsosend data 19 to onboard commercial satellite transceiver 30 to becommunicated back to AOC 10 or the GU 12, via commercial satellitenetwork 14 and off-board commercial transceiver 30. A pilot in aircraft18 can send digital images, target data, voice data, search and rescuedata or any other data 19 which may be required. Because the system usestwo-way technology, AOC 10 can pull data from an individual aircraft 18.This provides a significant advantage over current broadcast satellitesystems.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of a commercial satellite network 14.Satellite network 14 may comprise a constellation of low earth orbitingsatellites. Each satellite 20 in the constellation is interconnected toits neighbors by high-speed cross links. These satellites 20 form anorbiting network that allows communications to be established acrosslarge distances. Some areas not accessible to more conventionalcommunications are accessible via satellites 20. Several commercialsatellite systems are available including, but not limited to, ECCO,Ellipso, E-Sat, FAISAT, Globalstar, ICO Iridium, LeoOne, ORBCOMM,SkyBridge and Teledesic. Using these systems is particularlyadvantageous because the launch and operations costs for thesesatellites are borne by the commercial sector while the government onlypays for the bandwidth it uses. Additionally, commercial satellitenetworks have significantly greater available bandwidth than MilitarySATCOM.

FIG. 3 depicts one such gain pattern of an off-the-shelf iridiumreceiver and antenna. There are many emerging commercial satellitecommunication systems that may have applicability for integration intotactical aircraft. Several of these systems are already operational andmany more will become operational before the year 2002. Low-andMedium-earth Orbi (LEO/MEO) systems as well as Geosynchronous Orbit(GEO) systems have been investigated. Initial results indicate that theLEO and MEO systems can readily be integrated into small fighteraircraft. These systems are tailored to provide low-cost, low bandwidthservices (i.e., voice, data, fax and paging). Therefore, the equipmentrequired to receive these services is generally low weight, low cost,and requires only a small, omni-directional antenna. The GEO systems,however, are tailored to provide high bandwidth data services (e.g.,Internet access, multimedia, video teleconferencing, etc.) primarily tofixed users. GEO systems generally require large, stabilized, andsteerable antennas and are more suitable for fixed installations, suchas an AOC 10. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments focus on LEO and MEOcommercial communications systems.

Information on the various near-term commercial satellite communicationsystem is provided in TABLE 1. Data items collected include: systemtype, initial operational capability (IOC) date, architecture,bandwidth, earth coverage, operating frequency, multiple access scheme,security provisions, signal propagation delay, etc. A top-level analysisperformed on the systems indicate how well they met the potentialrequirements based on the information collected. Analysis indicated thatthe voice and data messaging systems (ECCO, Ellipso, Globalstar, ICO,and Iridium) are best suited for tactical airborne applications. Iridiumis also the first commercial LEO SATCOM system to become operationalthat supports both voice and data.

TABLE 1 NEAR TERM LEO/MEO COMMERCIAL SATCOM SYSTEMS Earth Data Freq.Multiple System IOC Type Preimary Usage Coverage Rate Band Access ECCO2001 LEO Voice, Data, Fax, GPS 70° S to 70° N  9.6K L/S CDMA Ellipso2001 MEO Vocie, Data, Fax, GPS 40° S to 70° N  9.6K L/S CDMA E-Sat 2001LEO Remote Monitoring North — VHF CDMA America FAISAT 2002 LEO E-Mail,Voice-Mail, 70° S to 70° N 19.2K VHF TDMA Alerts Globalstar 1999 LEOVoice, Data, Fax, 70° S to 70° N  9.6K L/S CDMA Paging ICO 2000 MEOVoice, Data, Fax Global 38.4K L TDMA Iridium Op Leo Voice, Data, Fax,Global  2.4K L TDMA Paging LeoOne 2000 LEO Vehicle, Tracking, 65° S to65° N  9.6K VHF/ FDMA/ Monitoring UHF TDMA ORBCOM Op LEO E-Mail,Tracking, Global  2.4K VHF/ FDMA/ M Monitoring UHF TDMA SkyBridge 2001LEO Interactive Multimedia 68° S to 68° N n × 2 M Ku — Teledesic 2002LEO Interactive Multimedia Global 64 M KA TDMA

The AIRSAT 1 (AIRSAT 1 is a registered trademark of Allied Signal),shown in FIG. 4, is current off-the-shelf equipment that providesIridium SATCOM communications services for commercial aviationapplications. AIRSAT 1 has several major advantages over the otherairborne SATCOM communications systems currently operational. These are:(1) since it works with the Iridium satellite constellation, it offerstrue worldwide coverage and is completely interoperable with PublicSwitched Telephone Networks (PSTNs) worldwide; (2) the AIRSAT system islight weight, less than 20 pounds of the entire installation package;(3) the AIRSAT system can be deployed and distributed to coalition forcemembers without concern for security or technology loss.

The AIRSAT system has been demonstrated on various aircraft and in avariety of mission applications that range from humanitarian reliefoperations to command and control functions. For example, the ability toprovide service in the northern latitudes has led to the successful useby the Canadian Armed Forces in their P-3 and C-130 aircraft,maintaining positive contact with their crews in regions wherepreviously no reliable communication links had been possible.Additionally, NASA installed the AIRSAT 1 system on its ER-2 aircraft (aNASA-owned U-2 derivative) with complete success to maintaincommunications with the crew while the aircraft operated above theAmazon basin beyond the reach of line-of-sight communication systems.NASA has also employed the AIRSAT 1 on their DC-8 and P-3 aircraft whileoperating over the vast ocean areas of the South Pacific, again tomaintain positive and immediate contact with aircraft that were BLOS.

FIG. 4 depicts an overview of one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4 depicts a system for integrating commercial satellitecommunications technology with tactical aircraft communicationstechnology. Communications are received by an onboard commercialtransceiver 30, via an external antenna 32. While only one externalantenna 32 is shown in FIG. 3, several may be used. By using more thanone external antenna 32 in various places on an aircraft's body,transmissions are less likely to be dropped as aircraft 34 engages incomplex and dynamic maneuvers such as steep climbs or rolls. Onboardcommercial transceiver 30 may be a commercial off-the-shelf transceiver,such as the Iridium system's AIRSAT-1 transceiver. By usingoff-the-shelf technology, exceptional cost savings are achieved. Datacan be communicated from onboard commercial transceiver 30 to an onboardinterface unit 36. Onboard interface unit 36 receives and processes data38. Subsequently, on board interface unit 36 sends data 38 to anappropriate component of the onboard communications system 40.Components may include a fire control computer 42, a multi-display set44, a radio 42, a commercial display 48, and an intercom 50. If data 38comprises target data, mission data may be sent to fire control computer42 via a serial/digital bus. RS-170 video data may be sent tomulti-function display set 44 or other like display. SVGA video data issent to the commercial display 48. In this manner, a pilot is apprisedof a threat through standard cockpit communications interfaces. Analogvoice data can be communicated to the pilot via intercom 50 or voicedata can be communicated over an improved data modem to the radio 46.

The present invention further allows a pilot to communicate data toother units. Data 38 may be communicated to onboard interface unit 36from fire control computer 42. Such data may comprise digital images ofan objective for assessment purposes. Onboard interface unit 36processes data 38. This data is subsequently sent to onboard commercialtransceiver 30. Onboard commercial transceiver 30 can then communicatewith satellite network 14 via external antenna 32. Voice data can besimilarly processed from aircraft intercom 50 and the radio 46. Becauseindividual pilots can communicate data to Users 10 and 12, situationalawareness is greatly increased. Information communicated by on-scenepersonnel can be used to more effectively determine the deployment ofassets. AOC 10 can also extract data from individual aircraft 18. Thus,a pilot 54 need not be active in the communications process for thetactical advantages to be achieved. Several additional advantages areobvious. As onboard interface unit 30 communicates data to pilots viastandard military communications systems, requirements for new equipmentand interfaces are minimized. Furthermore, training on the presentinvention is nominal because users do not have to learn an entirely newcommunications systems and interface.

FIGS. 5A–5C show a schematic and component view of onboard interfaceunit 36 of FIG. 4. As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 4, the onboardinterface unit 36 communicates with an onboard commercial transceiver 30and an onboard communications system 38. In one embodiment, the onboardinterface unit 36 may comprise a commercial SATCOM control 60 whichcommunicates control and status information with the onboard commercialtransceiver 30. Commercial SATCOM Control 60 also communicates data witha computer processor 62. Computer processor 62 executes a softwareprogram 66 stored on a hard drive 68. Software program 66 may compriseimage processing, video generation voice recognition, speech synthesisprograms and other software instructions 69. Computer processor 62receives data 70 from onboard commercial satellite transceiver 30 andprocesses the data according to software instruction 66. If there isvideo data, computer processor 62 sends RS-170 video data via a videocard 72 to a multi-function display set 32, or sends SVGA video data toa commercial display 34. Commercial display 34 can return information tocomputer processor 62 through an Ethernet/Serial Port 78. Two-waymission data can be communicated between computer processor 62 andmission data processor 28 via a Dual 1553 Bus 82. Two-way Voice data iscommunicated with the UHF/VHF radio 37 via an improved data modem 86.Two-way analog voice data is communicated to the intercom 38 via soundcard 90. Onboard interface unit 36 fully integrates onboard commercialtransceiver 30 with the aircraft's existing onboard communicationssystem. Onboard interface unit 16 may also include a GPS system 92. ThisGPS system 92 is capable of communicating navigational information tocomputer processor 62. Power converter 96 converts the aircraft'sregular power to power for onboard interface unit 36.

Users can send and receive real-time voice, video and mission data usingthe system and method of the present invention. By receivinginformation, users are better able to assess a situation. Since thesystem allows for two-way data communications, individual aircraft cansend information to AOC 10. By having real-time information from thefield, AOU 10 can better coordinate missions, allocate resources andassess effectiveness.

In order to preserve cost efficiencies, many components of onboardinterface unit 36 can be off-the-shelf components as known to thoseskilled in the art. For example, computer processor 62 can be anoff-the-shelf Pentium or like system. Additionally, the video card 72,sound card 90, and improved data modem 86 can be off-the-shelf items.The use of an off-the-shelf Iridium transceiver for transceiver 30 hasalso proved to be an effective solution.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment that mounts onboard commercial transceiver30 and onboard interface unit 36. The onboard commercial transceiver 30is mounted below onboard interface unit 36 in front of an aircraftcockpit 98. Because the units are mounted at the front of aircraft 18,they do not add to cockpit clutter. An antenna 32 can be added to theexterior of aircraft 18 without degrading performance. In order toprevent a loss of signals during maneuvering, multiple antennas may beused at several places on the aircraft's body.

FIG. 7 provides a diagram illustrating one possible use of the method ofthe present invention. Reconnaissance aircraft 150 collects data on apotential objective 154. Reconnaissance aircraft 150 transmits datathrough a Military SATCOM Satellite (not shown) to Command Center 160.Command Center 160 forwards information 150 to an airborne commandcenter 186 to dynamically direct aircraft 155. As aircraft 155approaches the objective location, they receive target location updates,area images and maps, weather data and threat data over a commercialsatellite network. After aircraft 150 egress the target area, theaircraft 150 return bomb damage assessment information to the commandcenter 160, using commercial satellite network 14. If aircraft 155deployed to a first objective, they may easily be redirected to asecondary objective.

FIG. 8 illustrates another possible implementation of using the presentinvention. A ground unit 170 locates an objective 172 and reports onobjective 172 to Command Center 174. Command Center 174 sends theinformation to a Communications Relay Aircraft 178. Forward gatheredimages, location and positional data is sent by aircraft 178 to otherunits 182 via satellite network 14. The aircraft 178 is controlled bythe AOC 10. Aircraft 182 also communicates images, location, andpositional data to unit 170. Unit 170 then coordinates an action withaircraft 182 and ground units. Because ground and aircrafts havereal-time target data, actions can be more quickly and more efficientlycoordinated. Additionally, the commercial satellite network can be usedto communicate data from one aircraft to another aircraft over muchgreater distances than traditional communication methods allow. Thus,large combat theaters can be managed more effectively.

Tremendous satellite communication capacity will soon be available inthe commercial sector. Intuitively, there are clear benefits toleveraging this commercial capability to ease the burden on militarysatellite communication systems and to extend satellite communicationcapability to tactical users who have not had access to that capability.The required equipment must be light weight and easily installed in theaircraft. And finally, the system must be easy for the pilot to use andbe compatible with the other on-board avionic equipment.

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a system to integratecommercial satellite communications technology with tacticalcommunications technology. The system includes an off-board commercialtransceiver and an onboard commercial transceiver for communicating datato a commercial satellite network. The system also includes an onboardinterface unit configured to communicate data between the onboardtransceiver and the aircraft's communication system. The onboardinterface unit includes a computer processor which executes a softwareprogram stored within an electronic medium. The software programincludes instructions for sending data to and receiving data from theonboard commercial transceiver and for sending data to and receivingdata from the onboard communications system.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for integratingcommercial satellite communication technology with tactical aircraftcommunications technology. The method includes communicating two-waydata with a SATCOM network from an off-board source. This two-way datais communicated with the SATCOM network from an onboard commercialtransceiver. The data is then processed to an onboard interface unitfrom the onboard transceiver. The data is processed at the interfaceunit and communicated with an onboard communications system.

The present invention provides an important technical advantage bypresenting enhanced two-way communication capability. Two-waycommunication is possible because the onboard transceiver can both sendand receive data from a commercial satellite network.

The present invention provides another important technical advantage byavoiding the limitations of traditional line-of-sight communicationsmethods. Terrains that often block low-elevation-angle line-of-sightcommunications can be overcome by allowing users, such as a ground unit,to relay information to tactical aircraft via satellite. Becausesatellite communications are used, low-elevation-angles are avoided. Acorollary advantage of extending communication beyond line-of-sight orover-the-horizon is that data acquisition can occur much earlier.

Yet another advantage provided by the present invention is to allowincreased real-time communication while an aircraft is enroute.Headquarters, ground units and other air units are able to communicatedata in real-time. Thus, the tactical unit has an increased awareness ofunfolding events. This allows tactical units to assimilate and assesssituation data and perform advanced planning. A tactical unit canreceive briefings, location data, and digital images from other userswhile the unit is miles from the target.

Another advantage of the present invention allows a user to communicatein real-time, target assessment and situation data directly to airoperations commanders (AOC). These personnel may be thousands of milesaway. Because AOCs receive real-time data, they can dynamically adjustmission assignments of enroute tactical units. The tactical aircraftalso provides digital information, such as designated aim point locationat weapon release and available target-system imagery, prior to weaponimpact. The communication of data to operations leads to the overallefficiency of missions being greatly increased.

The present invention provides yet another advantage by making feasiblethe effective management of widely distributed, on-call,air-interdiction or search and rescue assets. Operations can directvarious available aircraft spread over hundreds of miles to respond toreal-time targeting opportunities. By increasing the overalleffectiveness of search and rescue operations. A tactical aricraft cancommunicate damage and ejection data to operations or other aircraft.Additionally, search and rescue units will be able to communicate over amuch larger range.

The present invention provides yet another technical advantage, in thatthe use of these commercial communications routes increase the availablebandwidth for communications. Additionally, since commercial satellitecommunications equipment is lighter than military equipment and lower incost than other non-commercial communications systems, tactical aircraftcost and weight concerns are lessened.

The present invention uses a commercial satellite communication systemin a tactical environment. These include aircraft installation, antennarequirements, link performance in a high-performance flight environment,signal detectability and exploitability, susceptibility to jamming,pilot interface and workload, and electromagnetic compatibility withexisting aircraft systems. One embodiment of the present inventionachieves these goals using the Iridium satellite communication system.Incorporating Iridium in the flight environment demonstrates the fullcapability (voice and data) of integrated avionic suite, that can beexploited in a tactical environment.

The full benefit of commercial satellite communication capabilities intactical fighters in unknown. However, as has happened in the past,newly fielded systems often provide unpredicted utility in ways neverenvisioned by the original planners. Long-range communicationcapabilities provided by emerging commercial satellite communication(SATCOM) systems have improved effectiveness of tactical aircraft inseveral areas. For example, in operations with forward air controllersof special forces, commercial SATCOM offers the potential for extendedand enhanced communications with units. Current UHF radio systems allowterrain to mask low-elevation-angle, line-of-sight, directcommunications with in-bound tactical aircraft. In this case, on-scenetarget information will not be available until UHF communications areestablished as the tactical aircraft approach the target area. Incomparison, commercial SATCOM systems have potential to greatly extendthe pilot's horizon.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations canmade hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas described by the appended claims.

1. A system that integrates satellite communications with tactical (lineof sight (LOS)) aircraft communications, comprising: an off-boardtransceiver capable of exchanging two-way communications exchangingtwo-way communications with a first SATCOM network; an onboardtransceiver capable of exchanging two-way communications with a secondSATCOM network; a tactical transceiver capable of communicating two-wayLOS data; and an onboard communication system that further comprises anonboard interface unit operable to execute instructions for: sending andreceiving data from the tactical transceiver; sending and receiving datafrom off-board transceiver; sending and receiving data from onboardtransceiver; and integrating two-way communications received from atleast one SATCOM network with communications received from the at leastone tactical communication service which are presented by the onboardcommunication system.
 2. The systom of claim 1, wherein said onboardtransceiver is a commercial off-the-shelf transceiver.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said communications system further comprises anintercom and the onboard interface unit further comprises a sound-cardcoupled to said computer processor and said intercom, the sound cardbeing capable of: exchanging two-way communications with said computerprocessor; and communicating two-way analog voice data with saidintercom.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said onboard interface unitcomprises a video card coupled to said processor and said display,wherein said video card is capable of: sending and receiving data fromthe computer process; and sending and receiving data from the display.5. The system of claim 4, wherein the video card is capable ofcommunicating SVGA data and/or RS-170 data.
 6. The system of claim 4,wherein the display is a multi-function display set.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the communications system further comprises a radiocoupled to the computer processor, the computer processor capableexchanging two-way communications with the radio.
 8. The system of claim7, wherein the radio is a UHF/VHF radio.
 9. The system of claim 7,wherein said commercial transceiver further comprises an improved datamodem in electrical connection with the radio and the computerprocessor, whereby the computer processor communicates two-way data withthe radio.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the communications systemfurther comprises a mission data processor in electrical connection withthe computer processor, the mission data processor capable of exchangingtwo-way communications exchanging two-way communications with thecomputer processor.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the onboardintegration unit further comprises a bus in electrical connection withthe mission data processor and the computer processor, whereby thecomputer processor communicates data with the mission data processor.12. The system of claim 11, wherein the bus is a Mil-Std-1553 bus. 13.The system of claim 1, wherein the onboard interface unit furthercomprises a navigation system in electrical connection with the computerprocessor and an antenna, wherein the navigation system and the computerprocessor are capable of exchanging two-way communications with eachother.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein threat, weather, target,voice, and/or ejection data is communicated.
 15. The system of claim 1,wherein the onboard interface unit further comprises a commercial SATCOMcontrol capable of sending to and receiving control information from theonboard commercial transceiver and capable of sending to and receivingcontrol data from the computer processor.
 16. An apparatus operable tointegrate commercial satellite communication (SATCOM) with tactical(line of sight (LOS)) communications comprising; a commercial SATCOMtransceiver; a tactical communications system; an interface unitoperably coupled to the commercial SATCOM transceiver and the tacticalcommunication system wherein the interface unit further comprises a: acomputer processor in electrical connection with the commercial SATOOMtransceiver, capable of: sending and receiving data from the commercialSATCOM transceiver; and processing the data; and a sound card inelectrical connection with the computer processor and an intercom, thesound card capable of; sending and receiving data from the computerprocessor, sending and receiving voice analog data from an intercom; andprocessing data.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: avideo card in electrical connection with the computer processor and adisplay, wherein the video card capable of: exchanging two-waycommunications with the computer processor; communicating video datawith the display; and processing data.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein the video card is an SVGA video card or RS-170.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein the display is a multi-function displayset or commercial display.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein thecomputer processor is in electrical connection with a radio, thecomputer processor is capable of communicating two way voice data with aradio.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the radio is a UHF/VHFradio.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising an improveddata modem in electrical connection with the computer processor and theradio, whereby the computer processor communicates two-way data with theradio.
 23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the computer processor isin electrical connection with a mission data processor, wherein themission data processor capable of exchanging two-way communications withthe computer processor.
 24. The apparatus of claim 16, furthercomprising a bus in electrical connection with the computer processorand the mission data processor, whereby the computer processorcommunicates with the mission data processor.
 25. The apparatus of claim24, wherein the bus is a Mil-Std-1553 bus.
 26. The apparatus of claim16, further comprising a navigation system in electrical connection withan antenna and the computer processor, wherein the navigation system iscapable of communicating data with the computer processor.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 26, wherein the navigation system is a GPS system.28. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a storage device inelectrical communication with the computer processor, wherein thecomputer processor capable of exchanging two-way communications with thestorage device.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the storagedevice is a flash hard drive.
 30. The apparatus of claim 16, furthercomprising a voltage converter in electrical connection with computerprocessor, the voltage converter capable of providing electrical powerto the computer processor.
 31. The apparatus of claim 24, furthercomprising a test port in electrical connection with the computerprocessor.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the test port is aRS-232 port.